Injury and financial support for Jared Peterson

Dear friends, family, fellow artists and art community,

As many of you know, Jared Peterson has been enduring an incredibly challenging time due to an acute back injury for the past 12 months. This injury has not only caused immense physical pain but has also significantly limited his ability to work and earn income. During his last year of graduate school, many of you have generously and freely given your time and physical efforts to support Jared, equipping him to finish his MFA. The innumerable ways in which many of you have helped are truly incredible, and are symptomatic of the care and love within our communities.

Throughout this past year, many of you have seen how deeply patient, positive, and resilient Jared has been. Despite the difficulties of navigating an injury, the frustrating process of dealing with medical insurance coverage, and the long wait for proper care and access to doctors, Jared has continued to be a friend to many, loving and contributing to his community even when he had very limited capacity to do so - many of us have been on the receiving end of generosity and care from Jared.

As Jared transitions out of graduate school and continues to wait for medical appointments, the financial strain of covering living expenses and the cost of moving out of his studio have become overwhelming. Despite Jared's determination, the medical process has been slow and it is quite possible that a solution is still many months away.

I have seen how our community of artists has continually carried each other through many hardships. While we may not be able to relieve Jared of the stress and emotional burden of this injury, we can help ease the financial stressors that have come with it. If you are able, please consider donating to this fund. The goal for this fund is $4,000.00, which will go towards helping Jared cover housing, bills, insurance, and storage while he waits for proper medical care, as well moving expenses as he moves out of his graduate school studio.

With much love and gratitude,

Becca Padilla